The Prattsville Scoop by Abby and Gabby - 26 July 2025

PRATTSVILLE - Stay cool and remember those cold days we had during the winter of 2024-2025. Of course that won’t make you any cooler. We are due for more ultra hot weather so watch out and do not over do your physical outdoor work. No air conditioning? Fans work well as long as you are in direct path of the breeze.

Carolyn Carmen Brown of Conesville who grew up in Prattsville, called with information of the once and famous Prattsville Firemen’s Parade/Circus of long ago. Carolyn’s dad, Louie Carmen Sr, was one of those making this parade and circus possible along with Harold Brainerd, Tom O’Hara, Francis Peck, Jim Holcomb and perhaps Louie Apy, Mr. Brownell, Bud Gray, Virgil Henderson, Sayers Lutz, Claude Lutz. RedPowell, and others who cannot be brought to recall. Carolyn also remembered the racetrack for pacers and trotters behind the first Carmen garage, that was consumed by a fire, and there was also a horse graveyard at the same spot. The first garage was replaced by the one we remember as Carmen Trucking and later Briggs bat manufacturer. Think she said her grandfather raced as well as Charlie Peckham of Little West Kill. In later years joining their ranks was Elwood Howard, also of Little West Kill. Remember the name of his horse was Thomas Brook. Carolyn also said that during WWII there was a compass on top of that garage manned by plane watchers. If and when a plane flew over the garage, they took a compass reading and forwarded that information on to the next compass reader/watcher. Had never heard of that before although do remember hearing of some watchtowers in the Lexington/West Kill/Hunter areas. Does the term “plane spotters” sound familiary.

The WAJPL Golden Agers took advantage of the non rainy day on Monday the 14th and had a super picnic at C.D.Lane Park in Maplecrest. It was well attended by area members and, of course, the food was delicious and abundant. Cannot say the “golden” aged residents of our area are not active and they continue to participate in classes covering a multitude of interests, taking overnight and daily trips and enjoying food and drink together. They set a good example. Thanks to the organizers and membership of the WAJPL Golden Agers. Check in with them to join – reasonable membership dues.

Seven members of the American Legion Auxiliary Virgil E. Deyo Unit 1327 and faithful supporter Debbie Baker, the honored guest, enjoyed a friendly luncheon at Christman’s Windham House on Thursday, July 17. In addition to Debbie, those attending were Marianne Krauss, organizer for this luncheon, Shelly Brainard, Anita Creazzo, Cathy Martino, Pat Bifolco, Nancy Kizyma and Ginny Gurley. Debbie supports the Auxiliary and Legion in their many programs and it is a pleasure to be able to thank her in this way. Thanks, Debbie, for your gift of the patriotic mouse. So cute. Debbie was making plans for that evening’s celebration dinner for her granddaughter Sophia’s 13th birthday at the Hidden Inn. Does anyone who has gone through teenage years want to warn the family of what is to take place for the next seven years? There will be more good times than bad but there will be moments.

Got a chance to talk to Joan and Paul Mead who were sitting on the porch enjoying some shade. Paul was proudly showing his certificate and cap for being a 50 year member of his operating engineers union. Paul was unable to attend the breakfast were he would have been presented with the aforementioned but one of his fellow union members brought it to him. Congratulations Paul for your steadfast union membership. Joan later joined her friend for lunch, don’t know where she left Paul. Good to have them back in our area for some of the summer days.

To avoid the heat and enjoy your cooled atmosphere indoors, you could be watching PBS Dinosaurs and recently Whales. So very worthwhile and educational and you will find that you know less about dinosaurs and whales than you think. Amazing,

Dottie Pickett would like everyone to know there is also a free library under the Gilboa Museum Pavilion. A rack of books is there if anyone is interested in choosing there summer reading at no cost. How great is that! Thanks Dottie.

Welcome home to the Jaeger clan. They spent a number of weeks in Ireland, visiting places of their ancestors’ origin. But more on this when their information is given to us by matriarch Diana and patriarch Arnold.

Feel better wishes go out to Joanne Dunphy of Maple Lane. Continued get well wishes go out to Ron Cline and Claudia Bracaliello. Claudia paid a visit to RSK Farms and like many of us have special feelings for Bob and Sandy. Claudia said Sandy is making progress on her recover from a fall some months ago. Those special local vegetables go a long way in making recovery go faster. Perhaps the cooler temperatures will help all feel better.

On July 26 we send Happy Birthday greetings to Tony Marsh and Kipp O’Hara. We wish Happy Birthday to Joanne Lane and John Young on July 27. There is a family connection with Joanne and John so perhaps they will share a family celebration. Happy Birthday to Roberta Hull and Shirley Dunham Doroski on July 28 Hey Louis Kizyma, Happy Birthday on July 30. August 1 we send Linda Jaeger special Happy Birthday wishes. Debbie and Gene Brainerd are wished Happy Anniversary wishes on July 23.